Medicinal plants

[nomore49]

Best medicinal plants to grow? Please make sure to say how they effect or help. And i live in North Carolina

[Skandi]

Oh MY what a large list there is!

It depends on what you need, do you have arthritus? trouble sleeping? slow healing cuts? pain? Or are you looking for something to fall back on if it all goes tits up?

[Nyxchik]

I agree with Skandi- very long list without any parameters...
But just to get things rolling, here goes. I'm also in NC, and here are some of my favorites that are widely used and easy to grow:

FOR STRESS/SLEEP
Passionflower*
Lemon Balm
Chamomile
Lavender
Catnip

FOR PAIN RELIEF:
*Passionflower
Feverfew (migraines)
Spilanthes ('toothache plant')

FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT and COLD/FLU/SORE THROAT season
Elderberry
Echinacea
Bee Balm
Hyssop


FOR SKIN/FIRST AID/ETC
Calendula
Comfrey
Yarrow
(also easy to find in the wild here: plantain and chickweed are great)

STOMACH
Peppermint

Most of these I grow in raised beds. Some need to be contained or they'll take over (comfrey, all the mints- peppermint, catnip, lemon balm). Some are annuals but many self-seed so are still pretty self-sufficient.

~nyx

[Nyxchik]

Also don't forget common 'kitchen' herbs that can be used medicinally. Common sage is a biggie, makes a great sore throat tea.

[sss3]

Please do the research before using these plants. I was getting ready to buy chamomile plants; read not to use if allergic to ragweed. Which I am. Pretty sure I'm allergic to yarrow.

[Nyxchik]

Of course do your research, and I would go as far as to suggest consulting your medical professional if you have any health issues or take prescription meds prior to using herbs (or anything else) therapeutically. People sometimes assume herbs=natural=safe. Not so for some things, people or conditions. Thanks for the reminder Sandra.

[1shotwade]

You might consider this reference book. "A guide to medicinal plants of the united states." It is by"arnold and connie krochmal" ISBN 0-8129-6264-8. It is an excellent guide to wild plants. Why grow it when it just may be growing in your own back yard!

Wade

[Old Vet]

Don't forget a tooth ache tree. Called a Hercules Club tree. Chew the iner bark of the tree and your whole face will become numb. I have used it and are planning one this year close to home.

[troy n sarah tx]

Herbals are especially tricky for people on blood thinners/anticoagulants. Ginger, ginseng, ginkgo, garlic all can cause troubles for these folks. If you are on any prescriptions always check with your doctor before starting to add any herbal supplements.

Sarah, RN

[reneedarley]

I agree. I have naturally thin blood and have been warned at the hospital about herbal remedies (in my case)
I do use Aloe Vera smeared on cuts and burns to help healing. I have also given it to animals with internal bleeding as first aid until the vet came. My vet was so impressed by the results he recommends it ´to others
. Meadowsweet tea is also something my body seems to crave in the winter.

[1shotwade]

Originally Posted by Old Vet

Don't forget a tooth ache tree. Called a Hercules Club tree. Chew the iner bark of the tree and your whole face will become numb. I have used it and are planning one this year close to home.

Another good reason to look at the book. Seems this tree grows wild on the NC coast.

Wade

[nomore49]

Originally Posted by 1shotwade

You might consider this reference book. "A guide to medicinal plants of the united states." It is by"arnold and connie krochmal" ISBN 0-8129-6264-8. It is an excellent guide to wild plants. Why grow it when it just may be growing in your own back yard!

Wade

Thanks man